Discover the best of L.A., from movie sets to sunsets, at your own pace.
Big Bus Tours Los Angeles
Big Bus Tours Los Angeles
Big Bus Tours Los Angeles
City Sightseeing Worldwide
City Sightseeing Worldwide
sepavone/Depositphotos
MSPhotographic/DepositphotosQuick Guide
Los Angeles Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tours
Two main operators run these tours: Big Bus Tours and Starline Tours. Big Bus is ideal if you want a straightforward sightseeing experience with plenty of add-on options. Choose Starline if you want more route variety and language options.
Tickets & Prices
Both of the Los Angeles hop-on-hop-off tours offer 24-hour, 48-hour passes, and Starline offers a 72-hour pass. The clock starts when you first board the bus.
Operator Comparison
| Feature | Big Bus Tours | Starline Tours |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket Options | 24-hour, 48-hour | 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour |
| Routes | 2 routes (Hollywood, Beach) | 4 routes (Hollywood, Santa Monica, Downtown, Universal) |
| Audio Languages | 3 languages (English, Spanish, Chinese) | 9 languages (Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean) |
| Combo Tickets | • Celebrity Homes Tour + 48-hour Bus Ticket • TMZ Celebrity Tour + 24-hour Bus Ticket | • Original Celebrity Homes Tour |
| Walking Tours Included | ✓ TCL Chinese Theatre (Included with 48h ticket) | |
| Bike Rental Offer | ✓ (Included with 48h ticket) | |
| Real-Time Bus Tracking App | ✓ | ✓ |
| Flexible booking | Free cancellation | Free cancellation |
Detailed Pricing Tables
| Ticket Type | Adult | Child (3-12) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Hours 10% OFF! | $53.10 | $44.10 | Unlimited hop-on hop-off access on Hollywood Loop and Beach Loop |
| 48 Hours 15% OFF! | $63.75 | $55.75 | 48-hour access, TCL Chinese Theatre Walking Tour, bike rental offer (1 free hour or $5 off tour) |
| 48-Hour Ticket + Celebrity Homes Tour Most Popular (Save $35 vs buying separately ✓) | $84.15 | $75.65 | Everything in 48-hour ticket plus 2-hour Celebrity Homes & Lifestyle Tour |
| Ticket Type | Adult | Child (3-11) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Hours Classic Pass | $57.00 | $43.00 | Access to all 4 routes (Hollywood, Santa Monica, Downtown, Universal CityWalk), audio guide in 9 languages |
| 48 Hours Adventure Pass | $72.00 | $52.00 | 48-hour access to all routes, audio guide in 9 languages, free WiFi |
| 72 Hours Premium Pass Best Value | $85.00 | $61.00 | 72-hour access to all routes, best value per day for extended exploration |
Tips for Choosing Your Pass
- Go for a 24-hour pass if you’re tight on time and want to hit the major sights in Hollywood and Beverly Hills. You’ll realistically cover one or two routes comfortably in a day.
- A 48-hour pass is perfect for seeing both Hollywood and the beaches without rushing. You can do the Hollywood route one day and head to Santa Monica the next.
- The 72-hour pass from Starline offers the best value per day and lets you explore at a leisurely pace. This is ideal if you want to hop off frequently, explore neighborhoods on foot, and really soak up the LA vibe.
- Consider combo tickets if you’re planning to visit popular attractions anyway. Bundling your bus pass with Warner Bros Studio Tour or the Celebrity Homes Tour often works out more convenient than booking separately.
Download the operator’s app before your trip. Both Big Bus and Starline offer real-time bus tracking so you’ll know exactly when the next bus arrives at your stop.
FAQs About Ticketing and Pricing
Where can I buy tickets?
You can buy hop-on-hop-off tickets in Los Angeles either online or directly from drivers or main stops, but booking online is easier and often includes small discounts or combo deals.
Do children get discounts?
Yes, both operators offer discounted child tickets. Big Bus offers child rates for ages 3-12, while Starline’s child tickets cover ages 3-11. Children under 3 typically travel free.
What’s your cancellation or refund policy?
Big Bus offers fully flexible tickets with free date changes, giving you peace of mind if your plans shift. For Starline, check their specific terms when booking, though both operators offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour date.
Can I use my mobile ticket, or do I need to print it?
You can show your mobile ticket directly on your phone. Printed copies aren’t needed for either operator.
Are combo tickets with attractions available?
Big Bus offers the widest selection of combo tickets. You can bundle your bus pass with the Celebrity Homes Tour, Warner Bros Studio Tour, TMZ tours, Madame Tussauds, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and the Medieval Torture Museum.
Starline’s main combo is the 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off & Original Celebrity Homes Tour, which pairs their bus pass with their signature celebrity tour that’s been running since 1935.
Route Maps & Stops
Los Angeles has two main hop-on-hop-off operators offering a total of six routes that cover more than 50 stops across the city, from Hollywood and Beverly Hills to Santa Monica and downtown LA.
Big Bus Tours Routes
Big Bus Los Angeles runs two main routes (the Hollywood Loop and the Beach Loop) with around 20 total stops. Together, they connect iconic spots like the Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, and the Santa Monica Pier.
Download route maps and track buses in real-time using the Big Bus Tours app, available for iOS and Android.
Red Loop – Hollywood Loop
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours for a full loop
- Frequency: Every 30-45 minutes
- Operating hours: First bus 10:00; Last bus 16:30
- Main stop (starting point): Big Bus Visitor Center, 6763 Hollywood Blvd
Stops Include:
- Big Bus Visitor Center Hollywood (6763 Hollywood Boulevard)
- TCL Chinese Theatre (6911 Hollywood Boulevard)
- Guitar Center “Rock Walk” (7425 W Sunset Boulevard)
- Sunset Strip (8433 W Sunset Boulevard)
- Sunset Plaza (1019 N San Vicente Boulevard)
- West Hollywood (8949 Santa Monica Boulevard)
- Beverly Gardens Park (9385 Santa Monica Boulevard)
- Beverly Center (8500 Beverly Boulevard)
- Museum Row (675 S Curson Avenue)
- Farmers Market / The Grove (110 S Fairfax Avenue)
- Melrose District (7280 W Melrose Avenue)
- Paramount Studios (N Gower & Camerford Avenue)
- Hollywood and Vine (6263 Hollywood Boulevard)
Route Highlights: Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre, Capitol Records Building, Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and La Brea Tar Pits.
The Red Route has 12 stops covering Hollywood’s biggest landmarks. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want to see the Walk of Fame, the Chinese Theatre, and the Dolby Theatre, with easy connections to Beverly Hills and the Sunset Strip. Expect great commentary, open-top views, and plenty of photo ops along the way.
Blue Loop – Beach Loop
- Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes full loop
- Frequency: 5-6 shuttles daily (see timetable below)
- Operating hours: First departure 10:30 from Stop 7 | Last departure 16:15 from Stop 7
- Main Starting Point: Beverly Gardens Park (connects with Red Route at Stop 7)
Beach Loop Timetable:
| Stop 7 (Beverly Gardens) | Stop 16 (Santa Monica Pier) | Stop 17 (Santa Monica Beach) | Stop 18 (Venice Boardwalk) | Stop 19 (Main Street) |
| 10:30 | 11:15 | 11:25 | 11:30 | 11:35 |
| 11:30 | 12:15 | 12:25 | 12:30 | 12:35 |
| 13:00 | 13:30 | 13:40 | 13:45 | 13:50 |
| 14:00 | 14:30 | 14:40 | 14:45 | 14:50 |
| 15:15 | 15:45 (last connection to Red Route) | 15:55 | 16:00 | 16:05 |
| 16:15 | 16:45 (drop-off only) |
Stops Include:
- Beverly Gardens Park (9385 Santa Monica Boulevard) – Connection point
- Santa Monica Pier (1450 Ocean Avenue)
- Santa Monica Beach (2600 Barnard Way)
- Venice Boardwalk (3400 Barnard Way)
- Main Street (2427 Main Street, Santa Monica Visitor Center)
Route Highlights: This route delivers the quintessential California beach experience. Santa Monica Pier is home to the famous Pacific Park amusement park with its solar-powered Ferris wheel. You’ll catch views of the wide sandy beaches and the palm-lined coastal path. Venice Boardwalk is where LA gets wonderfully weird with street performers, Muscle Beach, and the skateboard scene. Main Street offers a more laid-back beach town vibe with boutique shops and cafes.
Starline Tours Routes
Starline Tours runs four main routes (Red, Yellow, Blue, and Purple) with over 40 total stops across Los Angeles. Together, they cover everything from Hollywood and Beverly Hills to Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Downtown LA.
Track your bus in real-time using the CitySightseeing LA app available for iOS and Android. Check the app or contact Starline at (323) 463-3333 for current schedules, as times are subject to change.
Blue Loop – Universal Loop
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Frequency: Check app or call for current schedules
- Main stop: Dolby Theatre (Stop 1)
Stops Include:
- Dolby Theatre Departure
- Universal Studios / CityWalk
- Universal Hilton
- Universal Sheraton
- Garland Hotel
- Dolby Theatre Arrival
Route Highlights: Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal CityWalk, Hilton Universal City, Sheraton Universal, The Garland Hotel, and the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.
The Starline Blue Route is perfect for anyone visiting Universal Studios Hollywood or staying nearby who wants an easy way to get around without driving or paying for parking.
It connects major Hollywood hotels like the Hilton, Sheraton, and The Garland directly to Universal City and the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, where you can transfer to other Starline routes. It’s a short, straightforward loop—ideal for families heading to the theme park, hotel guests wanting a quick ride into Hollywood, or travelers looking for a no-stress connection between attractions and accommodations.
Yellow – Santa Monica Loop
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours for a full loop.
- Frequency: Check app or call for current schedules.
- Operating hours: First departure from Stop #57 (Ocean Ave / Santa Monica Pier) at 09:30; last full loop departs around 16:13.
- Main starting point: Ocean Ave / Santa Monica Pier (Stop #57)
Stops Include:
- Ocean Avenue / Santa Monica Pier
- Wilshire / 3rd Street Promenade
- Montana Avenue / Euclid Street
- Brentwood Country Mart
- Westwood / UCLA / Hammer Museum
- The Beverly Hilton – Wilshire Boulevard
- 3rd Street / Beverly Hills (Sunday only: Rexford Drive / Beverly Hills)
- The Beverly Hilton – Santa Monica Boulevard
- Century Plaza Hotel
- One Westside Shopping Center
- Santa Monica College / 17th Street
- Venice Beach
- Main Street / Visitor Center
Route highlights: Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, Montana Avenue, Brentwood Country Mart, UCLA and the Hammer Museum in Westwood, the Beverly Hilton, Century Plaza Hotel, and Venice Beach.
The Yellow Route gives you a straight shot through LA’s west side, hitting all the major beach and shopping spots.
It connects Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, and Westwood, making it easy to explore without driving or paying for parking. You can visit landmarks like the Hammer Museum at UCLA, shop around Third Street Promenade or Rodeo Drive, and still have time to catch the sunset on the beach. It’s a practical, scenic loop for anyone who wants to experience LA’s coastal neighborhoods in one go.
Red – Hollywood & Beverly Hills
Duration: Approximately 2 hours for a full loop.
Frequency: Check app or call for current schedules.
Operating hours: First departure from Stop #1 (Dolby Theatre) around 10:00; last full loop departs around 16:30.
Main stop: Dolby Theatre / Hollywood Boulevard (Stop #1)
Stops Include:
- Dolby Theatre (Starline Terminal)
- Guitar Center “Rockwalk”
- Chateau Marmont / Laugh Factory
- The Comedy Store / Sunset Strip
- London Hotel / Whisky a Go Go
- 3rd Street / Beverly Hills (Sunday only: Rexford Drive / Beverly Hills)
- Four Seasons Hotel, Beverly Hills
- Beverly Center – Shopping
- Academy Museum / LA Brea Tar Pits / Petersen Auto Museum
- Farmers Market / The Grove
- Melrose Avenue – Shopping
- Pink’s Hot Dogs
- Hollywood and Vine / Pantages Theatre
Route highlights: Dolby Theatre, Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, The Beverly Hilton, and the Hollywood Bowl Overlook.
The Red Route is Starline’s signature loop through Hollywood and Beverly Hills, covering the city’s most famous landmarks. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want the full Hollywood experience without worrying about parking or traffic. The route passes iconic film and celebrity spots, historic theatres, and high-end shopping streets all in one ride.
Purple Route – Downtown Los Angeles
- Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours for a full loop
- Frequency: Check app or call for current schedules
- Operating hours: First bus 10:00; Last full loop 15:00
- Main stop: Beverly Hills / Beverly Gardens Park (Stop #33)
Stops Include:
- El Capitan Theater (Dolby Theatre Departure)
- Engine Co. #28 / 7th Street
- Westin Bonaventure Hotel
- Walt Disney Concert Hall / MOCA
- Cathedral of Our Lady
- Chinatown – Central Plaza
- Chinatown – Shopping Malls
- Olvera Street / Pueblo / Union Station
- Little Tokyo
- Grand Central Market / Bradbury Building
- Central Library / Biltmore Hotel
- Jewelry District / LA Theatre
- Fashion District / Santee Alley
- Convention Center / Staples Center
- LA Live / Grammy Museum
Route highlights: The Purple Route takes you where most tourists don’t venture – Downtown LA. You’ll see Frank Gehry’s stunning Walt Disney Concert Hall and the historic Grand Central Market where locals have shopped since 1917. Little Tokyo and Chinatown offer authentic cultural experiences and incredible food. Olvera Street is LA’s birthplace with historic Mexican marketplace vibes. Fashion District is where to find deals if you love shopping.
Which operator has the best routes?
For Hollywood and Beverly Hills: Both operators cover the essentials well. Big Bus has slightly more stops along the Hollywood route with better access to Museum Row and The Grove. Starline includes Pink’s Hot Dogs and has more frequent commentary about celebrity history.
For beach access: Big Bus takes you to both Santa Monica and Venice Beach on the same route with dedicated beach stops. Starline’s Yellow Route also covers the beaches but combines them with Westwood and UCLA, which dilutes the beach focus slightly.
For Downtown LA: Starline is your only option. Their Purple Route is the only hop-on-hop-off service covering Downtown’s cultural attractions, historic markets, and architectural landmarks.
For Universal Studios: Again, only Starline offers a direct shuttle. If Universal is on your list and you don’t want to rent a car, this is incredibly convenient.
For route variety: Starline wins with four routes versus Big Bus’s two. You’ll cover more ground and see different sides of LA beyond the tourist core.
For simplicity: Big Bus keeps it straightforward with just two easy-to-understand routes. If you’re visiting for a short time and want to hit the greatest hits, this focused approach works perfectly.
What to See & Do
Walk Hollywood Boulevard
sepavone/DepositphotosHollywood Boulevard is home to the Walk of Fame, so perfect if you want to snap a photo with your favorite star. It’s also home to the Guinness Book of World Records museum, the Wax Museum, the Dolby Theatre, and more.
Hit the Beach in Santa Monica & Venice
Big Bus Tours Los AngelesWhen the bus reaches the coast, hop off at Santa Monica Pier for ocean views, street performers, and maybe a ride on the Ferris wheel. Then hop off at Venice Beach for an entirely different experience – it’s loud, weird, creative, and one of the few places where you’ll find bodybuilders, drum circles, and roller skaters all in one place.
Grab a Bite Like a Local
You’ll find great food near almost every major stop. Grab tacos in Westwood, burgers near the beach, or sushi in Hollywood. LA’s food scene is all about casual, quick eats that still feel like a local experience.
FAQs
Is the bus wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Both operators have accessible buses with ramps and designated seating.
What happens if the bus is full when it arrives?
If a bus is full, you’ll be asked to wait for the next one, but they run frequently, usually within 15-30 minutes.
What happens in bad weather?
Tours run year-round, rain or shine. The top deck is open-air, but there’s covered seating below if the weather turns.